How Do I Connect to a SolidWorks License Server?

Connecting to a SolidWorks License Server is a crucial step in accessing and using the software. It ensures that you have the necessary permissions and licenses to utilize all the features and capabilities of SolidWorks. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of connecting to a SolidWorks License Server.

Step 1: Launching SolidWorks

Before you can connect to a license server, you need to launch SolidWorks on your computer. Locate the SolidWorks icon on your desktop or in your programs menu and double-click to open it.

Step 2: Accessing the License Manager

Once SolidWorks is open, go to the “Help” menu at the top of the screen. From the drop-down menu, select “SolidNetWork License Manager”. This will open the License Manager window.

Step 3: Adding a License Server

In the License Manager window, click on the “License Server” tab. Here, you will see an empty field labeled “Server(s)”.

Click on this field and enter the IP address or hostname of your license server. If you are unsure about this information, contact your system administrator or IT department for assistance.

Note:

If you have multiple license servers, separate their addresses with commas in this field.

Step 4: Verifying Connection

After entering the license server address(es), click on the “Verify” button located next to the field. SolidWorks will now attempt to establish a connection with the specified license server(s).

  • If a successful connection is established, you will see a green checkmark next to each server address.
  • If there is an issue connecting to any server, an error message will appear indicating the problem. Common issues include incorrect server addresses or network connectivity problems.

If you encounter any connection issues, double-check the server address and ensure that your computer has proper network access to the license server. It is also advisable to consult your system administrator for further assistance.

Step 5: Activating Licenses

Once the connection to the license server is verified, you need to activate your licenses. In the License Manager window, click on the “License Usage” tab. Here, you will see a list of available licenses and their status.

  • Active: This indicates that a license is currently in use and assigned to your computer.
  • Inactive: This means that a license is available but not currently in use by any user.
  • Borrowed:This status indicates that a license has been borrowed by another user for offline use.

To activate an available license, simply click on it and select “Activate”. This will assign the license to your computer, allowing you to use SolidWorks with all its functionalities.

Conclusion

Connecting to a SolidWorks License Server is essential for accessing and utilizing the software’s features. By following these steps, you can establish a connection, verify it, and activate your licenses.

Remember to consult your system administrator or IT department if you encounter any issues during this process. Now you are ready to make full use of SolidWorks!